About

$5,260

pledged of $5,000 goal

38

backers

Painting Buenos Aires

My project is to make a month-long (or longer) journey to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to do cityscape oil paintings in the birthplace of Argentine tango. I will be going out every day if possible with a French easel to paint directly from life the streets, cafes, dance halls, plazas and other interesting or picturesque scenes wherever I may find them in those areas of the city most associated with the tango culture and history. I am seeking "backing" in the form of patrons who can pledge for an original painting or drawing that will be produced on this trip (see descriptions on sidebar).

I will be doing pencil drawings and small oil paintings as well as larger paintings that may require 2-3 visits to the same motif. My goal is to produce at least 20 or more drawings and 20 - 30 oil paintings.

The painting above was done on location during a trip to Finland and serves as a good illustration (in terms of size and level of detail and finish) of the smaller oils that I will be painting in Buenos Aires.

Upon my return from Argentina, the work will be photographed and posted on my Facebook page and/or my website blog and those who have pledged for original work will choose their piece on a "first-pledged-first-choice" basis. I will frame the work and prepare for a weekend-long exhibition/celebration party, which will take place in my Philadelphia studio or another appropriate location. The "sold" artwork will be available for pick-up or delivery during or after the exhibition.

NOTE: ALL "backers" will be invited to the "celebration party/exhibit," not only those who choose the $5.00 pledge.

Termini's Bakery, oil on canvas 26x18" (see $1500 pledge reward)

The painting above, of a small street in Philadelphia, is also representative of the type of work I will be producing in Buenos Aires. Paintings of this size/degree of detail require several trips to the same motif and sometimes addttiional studio work.

I will also be having a limited edition "giclee" print made from the best painting from the trip (see Reward #4 - $100 pledge). The print is available at a reduced price for those who pledge in advance.

The painting above is a large "studio painting" that approximates the larger work I will produce upon my return, based on the smaller paintings. Paintings this size are executed in my studio and take several weeks and many sessions to complete. My plan is to paint at least ONE canvas this size upon my return that will be the "magnum opus" for the exhibition. The patron who pledges at this level will have considerable input into subject matter, for example, the opportunity to chose from the studies done in Buenos Aires which one will be formatted for a larger, more ambitious painting.

I am very excited about this opportunity to paint from life in a great city that is intimately associated with a strong interest of mine, Argentine Tango dancing. I have previous experience at this, having traveled to Italy, Finland, Canada, the American southwest and other U.S. cites on "painting excursions." Based on previous trips to unfamiliar locales, I have a realistic idea of the energy required and am confident that I can return with a substantial body of unique, original work, painted on location.

Those who pledge for the original work will not only make financing for the trip possible but will secure the lowest price and get to have "first choice" from the body of work. The drawings will be professionally double-matted, and the paintings will be completed canvases, finished, signed and framed by myself.

The paintings on this page are representative of my work; many more images can be viewed on my website, www.charlescushing.com.

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Pledge $75 or more
About $75

A personalized JUMBO GREETING CARD mailed to you from Buenos Aires!!! Created entirely by ME (humorous or surreal sketch in colored magic-marker, inscribed to you and signed) the card will be stamped and postmarked from Buenos Aires. Sure to become a valuable collector's item that your great-grandchildren will cherish!

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Pledge $100 or more
About $100

Limited edition high-quality "giclee" print on watercolor paper that will be produced upon my return from the best painting I do in Buenos Aries. Approx.size unframed 16x24." Signed and limited to 100 copies. Shipping included.

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Pledge $150 or more
About $150

A custom-made SIGN for your home, business, or milonga painted in oil on masonite panel in the distinctive FILETEADO style that is associated with Buenos Aires and Argentine tango! approx. size 12x18" with your wording and color schema, etc., based on authentic Argentine designs. Google image search "fileteado Buenos Aires" to view concepts. The sign will be painted upon my return. Great gift idea!

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Pledge $250 or more
About $250

original pencil or ink drawing from the Buenos Aries trip. Size approx. 9x12", professionally double-matted to approx 15x18." Drawings will be posted on return and selection will be on first-pledged basis. Drawing will also be exhibited in celebration exhibit. Shipping included.

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Pledge $600 or more
About $600

original "plein-air" oil painting on canvas produced on the trip. Size approx. 10x16" (at least 150 square inches) depending on dimensions. Framed by the artist. Will be posted on return and selection on first-pledged basis. Painting will be exhibited in celebration exhibit. U.S. shipping included.

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Pledge $1,500 or more
About $1,500

original painting on canvas from the trip, size approx 18x26 (at least 450 square inches) depending on dimensions. Framed by the artist. These will be larger and more developed and detailed paintings that require two-three sessions from life, and possible "tweaking" in the studio (see photo in project description of a comparable painting, "Termini's Bakery"). Framed by the artist. Posted for viewing on return and selection on first-pledged basis. Painting will be exhibited in celebration exhibition. Shipping NOT included. Free delivery within 100 mile radius.

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Pledge $2,500 or more
About $2,500

Personalized oil painting (approx. 24x36") based on your favorite photograph! Do you have a favorite photograph that you would like immortalized as an original oil painting? I paint about 6-12 canvases a year "on commission." Examples of commissioned work can be found under PAINTINGS on my website, www.charlescushing.com. The painting would be executed when I return from Buenos Aires. It could have a related theme (you dancing tango? a favorite location, special memory, etc.?) or be something completely different.

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Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

Large (3x5 feet or larger) original oil painting on canvas to be painted in my studio upon return, based on the studies from the trip.This will be the "magnum opus." This painting will be the centerpiece of the celebration exhibit (see photo in project description of a comparable painting, "Cira Centre at Sunset"). Shipping NOT included. Free delivery within 100 mile radius.